double becomes used to temporary disembodiment the easier it becomes to handle. We can then walk about in our room without inconvenience, making every possible and conceivable observation; we can sit down, think, and meditate with far greater lucidity than in physical consciousness.
At first we are tempted to leave our room in order to take stock of other places in this strange dimension. This is what happens: the substance which we are using to give form to our double returns to the physical body and it is with a far more ethereal body that we soar into space. The delicate nature of the vibrations in this new dimension gives access to quite a new order of phenomena. These should be observed with the most minute attention in order to become aware of the possibilities of each world into which we penetrate. If we wish to push the experiment still further it is possible to exteriorize a third body into an ether of even finer nature, and the phenomena develop in a proportion- ate manner.
Everything happens as if we had a series of different bodies boxed one in the other by means of a more reduced dimension. As the conscious will penetrates into new dimensions it uses a correspond- ing body.
As each of the successive states of this universe penetrates the inferior dimensions of the substance we have just quitted, it is easy to imagine the tremendous extent of phenomena which come within our orbit. To sum up, we draw near the fundamental causes of phenomena, and the same separation accomplished upon a higher plane causes a series of vibratory disturbances on lower levels,
46 PRACTICAL ASTRAL PROJECTION
which in turn become causes in a substance still more condensed.
When we project ourselves in a way which lacks order and method, we are not properly aware of the nature of the body which exteriorizes itself. This means that the consciousness will not find itself in a proper medium for pure observation, and the results obtained will not agree with those of a student who has used the necessary vehicle for each stratum of
consciousness.
From this we come to a second point which has to be noticed. Always start with the first projected double and then practice projecting yourself from that, inside your room, without trying to travel away. The experiments which can be carried out in this dimension are many and varied. These allow us to obtain all kinds of new data about our present-day knowledge and to start building up facts concerning problems which are considered beyond solution by our modern civilization.
Also, the act of conscious separation itself, its absolute possibility, beyond all possible argument, whilst keeping control of all our perceptive faculties and feelings, is in itself quite enough to balance all our opinions concerning science, morality, and religion.
The phenomenon of dissociation between man and his body, the absolute certainty of being able to live in a new dimension, is the only obvious truth that I can claim as being true without the least doubt. This certainty is in no way a dogma. It is not a matter of faith. It is not a case of auto-suggestion.
It is a truth within the reach of all. It is the mathe- matically precise result, born from a series of causes,
PHENOMENON OF SEPARATION 47
all ending in the same result, so long as they are practised in the same conditions. It is a fact beyond all reasoning, beyond all criticism and argument. To deny the possibility of such a feat, before having tried to do it oneself, would, in my eyes, simply be a proof of such an individual's lack of evolution, irrespective of his social status.
Apart from this certainty, I am offering you all further details as personal observations. There are, in fact, many very interesting points over which I have not lingered. I always wanted to know the last word of the puzzle—to attain the highest possibilities of consciousness, and the facts which have resulted therefrom are so marvellous that they will seem to be imaginary to those who are not aware of the admirable organization of the higher planes.
Let us, first of all, examine the nature of the sensations and impressions received during the process of dissociation. Despite their infinite variety they may be classified in three categories:
(I) Phenomena of sensation which prepare for the act of projection.
(2) Instantaneous projections which may or may not be accompanied by sensations.
(3) Projection by whirlwind.
The best time for observing these phenomena is about four to five in the morning, after having slept well. In this way we avoid the influence of the subconscious mind.
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which we wish to experiment, we drive away all thought and find ourselves in an excellent condition for receiving the weakest vibrations which come from the other dimensions of space.
Care must be taken not to fall asleep nor to be in this state even for a few seconds before contacting reality. As soon as a vibration, however weak it may be, affects one of our bodies, we must at once take full possession of ourselves. Our full attention must be immovably fixed on the sensations, images and scenes which are about to occur. We must be absolutely lucid, holding well in mind all the decisions previously made, and carefully following the different phases of the phenomenon, so that later on we may be able to note every detail. It is better to begin all over again fifty times in order to be able to record our observations, than to seek to put everything down at once. Remember that too much detail spoils the precision of facts.
After all, nothing could be easier, since we are not asleep. Projection, the separation of the conscious " I " and its provisional forms, takes place in full waking consciousness.
It has happened at times that I have found myself projected, standing beside my body, at the same instant as I closed my eyes, and without experiencing any particular sensation. Such speed is extraordin- ary. But what is most surprising is the reality of the material feelings one experiences. The practice of projection becomes such a habit that there have been times when I have come back to my body in order to make sure that I was really projected and not sleep-walking.
PHENOMENON OF SEPARATION 49
of this state. Tell yourself that you are the conscious master of your different bodies.
The following experience will demonstrate the flexibility of this system, in transferring feeling from one form to another.
After having roamed about in space I came back close to my physical body and, without completely reincorporating myself, I found myself at the exact point of balance where the material sensitivity passes into the next body, or plane. By a mere act of will I found myself able to incline the balance towards one point or the other. As soon as I favoured the idea of projection into a fourth dimen- sion I began to feel lighter, without any physical movement at all. And, strangely enough, I had but one sensation, that is, as if my hands were touching behind my back in a familiar position. As soon as I brought my mind back to my physical body the intensity of the projection diminished. My body was as heavy as lead and breathing slowed down. I could feel the slight roughness of the sheets on my down-stretched arms next to my body, the freshness of the outside air, and the daylight which was filtering through my eyelids. I could hear noises from the street.
Taking my mind back towards the idea of projection, the equilibrium immediately went the other way. All these physical sensations disappeared with lightning-like speed. I once more found myself in the state which I had just left, and began to enjoy the peace, the cool sweetness, and the inexpressible sense of well-being of this state.
The phenomenon of projection is not, therefore, a state of sleep, natural or induced. It has a clarity